News for Restaurants in Washington DC July 2012 Archive

A branch of Del Frisco's Grille has opened in the former space of Brasserie Les Halles. (The first Del Frisco's Grille opened in New York in August 2011, and there are also locations in Dallas and Phoenix.) In addition to steaks and seafood, Del Frisco's Grille offers sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. Del Frisco's Grille, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-450-4686.

According to the local food rumor mill, Passion Food Hospitality, which owns District Commons, Acadiana and PassionFish, has taken over the space of now-closed Market Tavern. An opening date for the new restaurant, Fuego Cocina and Tequileria, has not been announced, but the word is that the food will be authentic Mexican and not Tex-Mex, and will be prepared by Mexico native Alfredo Solis, who has worked in other Passion Food restaurants. Fuego Cocina and Tequileria, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Clarendon, VA 22201, phone not available.

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Minibar Evolves; America Eats Tavern ExitsChef José Andrés is planning an evolution of his minibar by josé andrés. It had been located in now-closed America Eats Tavern, and formerly, Café Atlántico. But arrangements are underway for it to move to the former space of Zola Wine & Kitchen, which will mark a new chapter in the concept. Minibar by josé andrés will take reservations in September for seatings beginning in mid October, and will expand from six seats to accommodate several more guests for each service. Throughout the summer, Andrés and the culinary team will travel in Spain, Denmark, Singapore and beyond conducting research and development to create an even more inspired menu. America Eats Tavern, 405 8th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-393-0812.

Julia Child Tribute at RIS Ris Lacoste, owner-chef of the West End restaurant RIS, plans to dedicate the entire month of August to all things Julia Child. A friend of Lacoste's, Child would have celebrated her 100th birthday on August 15. In addition, Lacoste will showcase some of Child's classics during Washington Restaurant Week, August 13-19. For more details on this Julia-centric celebration, visit www.risdc.com. RIS, 2275 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-730-2500.

Summer Libations at Park Hyatt WashingtonPark Hyatt Washington D.C. is offering a collection of summer cocktails, each highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients. Seven cocktails and seven classic drinks will be featured on the menu, along with two local beers. A good spot for leisurely sipping, Park Hyatt Washington boasts a 60-seat lounge, Blue Duck Tavern restaurant and an outdoor terrace. Park Hyatt Washington, 1201 24th St. NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-789-1234.

According to a spokesperson for Michel Richard Citronelle, extensive water damage to the Latham Hotel and to Citronelle caused management to close the building in July. It will be evaluated for the full extent of the repairs, and it may take several months to make the needed improvements. Michel Richard Citronelle, Latham Hotel, 3000 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-625-2150.